Vermilion County to videotape board meetings

DANVILLE, Ill. (AP) -- Vermilion County officials are installing video cameras in a courthouse annex in part because of a series of contentious board meetings about wind farm regulations.

The (Champaign) News-Gazette reports the $3,000 project follows a series of intense public comment periods about wind farm ordinances.

Some residents have complained that the windmills are too noisy and want the county to change restrictions about how far the turbines must be from homes.

While no proposal about the setbacks is pending before the 27-member panel, board chairman Gary Weinard says the meetings have gone from "very civil" to "situations that are questionable." Turbine critics say some council members are walking out during a public comment period.Digital recordings of the meetings will be posted on the county's website within several days.